Down on the Corner

When did you last take a moment while out and about to just stop, look around and wonder what might be going on in the life of that person standing beside you, or the man walking toward you or the lady sitting alone at the beach?

We all come from different places, experiences, feelings and thoughts.

It was from this curiosity and intrigue in which Down on the Corner was born.

Every week I take my recorder to the streets of the Sunshine Coast and randomly find someone who agrees to share their story.

It might be that person standing beside you, the man walking toward you or the lady at the beach.

Before we start recording, I know only their name. No questions prepared. No prior knowledge of their story.

The stories include many facets of humanity: honest, genuine, inspiring, sad, funny and raw.

It's humbling to be the avenue through which these stories are told.

So come along on the ride to discover who's Down on the Corner by following the links below.

More stories will be posted here regularly so keep up to date by adding this page to your favourites, follow ABC Sunshine on Facebook and #downonthecorner on Twitter.

Here are some of the latest stories ...

Italian family relocates to Australia in search of better lifeDown on the Corner ... with Piergiorgio Okely at Noosa Main BeachWhen life is really tough and stressful and you feel like you want to just move to another country and start all over again, what do you do? Italian man, Piergiorgio Okely did just that - he moved to Australia with his wife and son.

Steiner education entices Brazilian woman to AustraliaDown on the Corner ... with Karina Barbosa at Noosa Main BeachHave you ever wanted to throw in your job or find another career but you just weren't quite sure what career path to turn to? Brazilian woman Karina Barbosa turned her back on 18 years in finance in favour of teaching children.

Fun in the sun ends in treatment Down on the Corner ... with Paul Rogers at Sippy DownsSpending years in the sun has taken its toll on Sunshine Coast local Paul "Buck" Rogers. As he now undergoes "excruciating" skin cancer treatment, he's got a blunt message for others.

Ex-serviceman's trauma helps othersDown on the Corner ... with Stuart Johnstone at CaloundraStuart Johnstone spent 20 years in the army until he was medically discharged. After that he battled with depression and suicide attempts. But after some years of medical treatment and other support, Stuart's turned his life around. Have a listen to how things worked out for him.

Interstate adventures prompts local to reconsider future directionDown on the Corner ... with Margie Mack at Alexandra HeadlandSunshine Coast local Margie Mack has returned from a three-month trip across three states. That comes on the back of more than a year of solo travel. Have a listen to Margie's story to hear how those adventures have led her to consider her future.

Sunshine Coast gives bachelor new lease on lifeDown on the Corner ... with Joseph at MooloolabaFor 76-year-old Joseph from Mauritius, moving to the Sunshine Coast in 1985 from Melbourne changed his life. Have a listen to his story to hear why.

Have you ever wanted something really bad but fear stood in your wayDown on the Corner ... with Brenton Woodman at Peregian BeachEumundi man Brenton Woodman was determined to get his family's finances back on track and after much persistence secured a job in the mines. At nearly 50 he's excited about this major life change and he learnt along the way how to let go of fears which were holding him back.

Teen chills with bike and breathtaking viewDown on the Corner ... with Martin Moorman at BuderimIn a park perched at the top of Buderim on a chilly afternoon, 16-year-old Martin was oblivious to the world around him. It's a place which he says is grounding and he uses the time for more than just practising tricks on his bike. From how he describes it, it's almost a natural high.

Laughter rings loud after 56 yearsDown on the Corner ... with Bill and Betty Biddle at NambourThis Coolum Beach couple have been married for 56 years and for the last 15 they've been having a cuppa at 9am and 3pm daily. They paused their afternoon cuppa to reflect on quirks after more than half a century together and you'll never guess the sport in which their grandkids represented Australia.

Soul search from Poland to Down UnderDown on the Corner ... with Agnieszka at Peregian BeachAt 29, Agnieszka broke away from communist life in Poland and moved to Australia in search of something which she felt was missing in her life. Did she find it Down Under? She also talks about the lotus, home birth of her child.

Cycling through Europe at 60Down on the corner ... with Tom Hardy at MalenyTom Hardy was in his early 60s when he took up cycling and in less than a year rode 4,500 kilometres through Europe. Tom says cycling is as much a spiritual exercise as it is physical.